How to Put a Pocket in a Knitted Cardigan
Knitted cardigans are a cozy and stylish addition to any wardrobe, but adding a pocket can take your knitting project to the next level. Pockets not only provide practical storage for your essentials but also add a unique touch to the design. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, this guide will walk you through the process of how to put a pocket in a knitted cardigan.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather the following materials:
– Yarn: Choose a yarn that matches the color and weight of your cardigan.
– Knitting needles: Use the same size needles as those used for your cardigan.
– Scissors: To cut the yarn.
– Yarn needle: To weave in the ends.
– Stitch markers: To mark the pocket placement.
Choosing the Pocket Placement
The first step is to decide where you want to place the pocket on your cardigan. Typically, knitters choose to place the pocket on the front, but you can also add a pocket to the back or side. Once you’ve decided on the placement, mark the spot with a stitch marker.
Knitting the Pocket
1. Start with a new ball of yarn and knit a few rows to create a pocket opening. The number of rows will depend on the depth of the pocket you desire. For a standard pocket, 4 to 6 rows should suffice.
2. Shape the pocket opening by decreasing the number of stitches on either side of the pocket. To do this, knit two together (k2tog) on the right side and purl two together (p2tog) on the wrong side. Continue decreasing until you have the desired number of stitches for the pocket opening.
3. Knit the pocket by working in the round. Join the yarn with a slip stitch, and knit around the pocket opening until you reach the desired width. To close the pocket, knit two together (k2tog) at the end of each round until only one stitch remains.
4. Attach the pocket to the cardigan by picking up the corresponding stitches on the front of the cardigan. Use a yarn needle to weave the ends in securely.
Finishing Touches
1. Weave in the ends of the yarn used for the pocket and the new yarn attached to the cardigan.
2. Shape the pocket edges by picking up and knitting the edge stitches. This will create a neat finish for the pocket.
3. Enjoy your new pocketed cardigan and the added convenience it brings.
By following these simple steps, you can easily add a pocket to your knitted cardigan, making it both practical and stylish. Happy knitting!
